Analysis of an arterial blood sample taken from a healthy athlete reveals a pH of 7.36, a PCO₂ of 45 mm Hg, and a PO₂ of 43 mm Hg. Which of the following analytic errors should you suspect? A) Excessive time since sample collection B) Exposure of the blood sample to air C) Excessive heparin in the sample D) Sample admixture with venous blood

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The PCO₂ and PO₂ values indicate low levels of oxygen and high levels of carbon dioxide, suggesting that the blood sample contains venous blood in addition to arterial blood. This could occur if the sample was contaminated during collection with venous blood or if there was a mixture due to a faulty arterial puncture or damage to the arterial wall. The other options, such as excessive heparin or exposure to air, would not affect the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the sample.

Analysis of an Arterial Blood Sample Taken from a Healthy